Ball: Be part of the process by weighing in on Cary’s future plans

Jan. 23, 2014

I remember as a child my father took me to the fire house on Election Day to teach me how to vote. As he pulled the lever for his candidate he instilled in me the importance of making your voice heard and being a part of the civic process.

Now, as an adult, I vote at every election. I once drove more than two hours in the rain so I could punch a ballot. Although elections are still a ways off, you need to know there is an opportunity to have your voice heard and be part of a civic process right now.

The Village of Cary is creating its new Comprehensive Plan. The process will take many months to complete and the final plan will be the official guide for land use, physical improvements and development for the next 15 to 20 years. The plan, which provides a foundation for decision making, is based on community consensus, community vision, existing conditions and future potential.

As a Cary resident or business owner, you have the opportunity to get involved in the Comprehensive Plan process by taking a short online survey. In about 10 minutes you can let the Village of Cary know your thoughts, ideas and opinions. I encourage you to visit Cary’s website, www.caryillinois.com, and click the link to the Comprehensive Plan Project website to take the survey and learn about meetings and other opportunities to have your voice heard during this important civic process. Now is your time to tell the village what changes you want, what types of businesses you want and what type of development you want.

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The Cary Grove Area Chamber is seeking contestants for the 2014 Miss Cary and Miss Fox River Grove Business Scholarship Pageant. Contestants must be between 16 and 21 years old and a resident of Cary or Fox River Grove.

The top scholarship awards are $1,000. This is a great opportunity to learn professionalism, public speaking, leadership skills, etiquette and serve as a community role model. Information is available on the chamber’s website, www.carygrovechamber.com.

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The chamber hosts its Business Roundtable luncheons with the Village of Cary Feb. 12 and the Village of Fox River Grove March 13. Hear from Cary Mayor Mark Kownick in the Oak Room at the Cary Park District and Fox River Grove Village President Bob Nunamaker at the Fox River Grove Village Hall. Both events begin at noon and cost $20, which includes a box lunch. Reservations can be made at www.carygrovechamber.com.

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Keep up your relationships and meet new contacts at the Noon Shake Up Lunchtime Mixer at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 19 at Galati’s Pizza and Pasta in Cary. The event costs $20 and includes lunch.

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The 32nd Annual Cary Grove Community Showcase Saturday is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 at Cary-Grove High School. The event is free to the public. Learn about the great businesses and organizations that make the Cary and Fox River Grove communities such special areas to live and work. The Community Showcase will feature an indoor farmers market, door prizes and a drawing for a 7-inch HDX Kindle Fire.

• Brad Ball is executive director of the Cary Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.

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